OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

With multi-stakeholder actions we can tackle the complexity of today’s digital landscape & uphold the role of #MediaFreedom as an essential component of democracy and security.
Read my communiqué on Fostering Media Freedom Literacy in the #OSCE region.👇

https://t.co/w40AkUSX6n

I reiterate my call on the authorities of #Russia to end the crackdown on independent media and journalists. The recent designation of @MoscowTimes as ‘undesirable’ organization yet again flagrantly contradicts #OSCE commitments on #MediaFreedom.

The authorities of #Russia banned access to 81 more international media outlets in the country, further shrinking the space for Russian citizens to receive accurate information. Censoring truly independent journalism goes against #OSCE commitments on #MediaFreedom & should stop.

I strongly endorse @osce_odihr's concern that Georgia's newly approved “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence” is incompatible with international human rights standards & #OSCE commitments. This issue is thoroughly addressed in the Legal Analysis peer-reviewed by my Office.

More journalists were attacked in #Serbia. These unacceptable acts hamper the state of #MediaFreedom & democracy in the country. The authorities should systematically investigate & prosecute all cases of violence against journalists, in line with their #OSCE commitments.

I deeply regret the recent decision of the #Georgia parliament to push through the 'foreign agents' law, despite president @Zourabichvili_S's veto. The law threatens independent media & CSOs & breaches Georgia’s #OSCE commitments on #FreedomofExpression & #MediaFreedom.

🚀Tomorrow, at the #SHDM side event, we unveil our latest report on fostering #MediaFreedomLiteracy across the #OSCE region. This comprehensive guide offers promising practices, guidelines & recommendations for governments, civil society, media & academia.

https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/532208

Informed citizens are the cornerstone of Democracy. The #OSCE #SHDM highlights the importance of equipping individuals with the skills to critically analyze media content, safeguarding democratic processes. Read my joint PR with @osce_odihr & @OSCE24MT.

https://www.osce.org/chairpersonship/569415

Today, 20 years after the tragic murder of journalist Duško Jovanović, with the #OSCE Mission to Montenegro, I called for reignited efforts to solve this case. Such egregious attacks on #MediaFreedom cannot be left unresolved. #NoImpunity. Our statement 👇

https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/569406

Last week’s arrests of Konstantin Gabov, Sergei Karelin & Sergei Mingazov continue the disturbing trend of targeting & harassing media workers in #Russia. I reiterate my call to the authorities to fully respect and act in line with #OSCE commitments on #MediaFreedom.

Thrilled to be in Rome today for the launch of the National Focal Points meeting, graciously hosted by 🇮🇹. These partners are instrumental in enhancing #SafetyofJournalists across the #OSCE region, exchanging invaluable insights and national initiatives.

Former @cumhuriyetgzt representative Erdem Gül (sentenced to 5 yrs.) & @MAturkce editor Dicle Müftüoğlu (under travel ban) are victims of continued legal harassment of media in #Türkiye. #OSCE commitments are clear: journalists should not face judicial abuse for doing their work.

Today marks the 2nd yr. of #Russia’s war on #Ukraine, a time of profound human suffering & destruction. It violates all #OSCE commitments, incl on #MediaFreedom & endangers journalists & our information spaces. I will continue to support Ukraine in addressing these challenges

The continuous verbal assaults from the #Chisinau mayor towards media in #Moldova are deeply troubling. All #OSCE states agreed that public officials must refrain from intimidation & threats, as it jeopardizes journalists' safety & erodes public trust & respect for their work.

Pleased to meet investigative journalist Bolot Temirov @vahoel today in Vienna & discuss the ongoing legal cases against him. In light of our #OSCE #mediafreedom commitments, the authorities of #Kyrgyzstan should not persecute a journalist for his work. #JournalismIsNotACrime

A 3-year prison sentence for freelance photojournalist Aliaksandr Ziankou highlights ongoing concerns regarding the abuse of anti-extremism laws and their detrimental impact on #freedomofexpression & the safety of journalists in #Belarus.

Earlier, on 26 January, former journalist Siarhei Hardziyevich was sentenced to 15 days of detention for sharing media content which was deemed extremist. I reiterate my call to end these practices & not detain media workers, in stark contrast with #OSCE media freedom commitments.

Recent threats, particularly by @AfD officials, against @correctiv_org, after their reporting on rightwing extremism in #Germany, are highly concerning. All #OSCE states agreed that politicians should never intimidate or threaten media, nor condone violence against journalists.

Good to meet #Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos in Vienna today. We discussed numerous #mediafreedom and security challenges affecting the #OSCE region. Guided by OSCE commitments, we will work closely to address these issues for the benefit of our societies.